Mad cow disease and trade barriers
Japan and other Asian countries banned US beef more than a year ago. The first case of BSE had been found. Moreover, sloppy policies regarding testing were revealed. In fact, the US doesn't test very many cows to see if they have BSE or not. USDA inspectors have complained that when they try to do their work, they are harassed. Such "whistle-blowers" have been ignored for many years. Already in 2001, Public Citizens, a US consumer group, warned that the US testing program was in "disarray":
Click here for a report about BSE testing in the United States
This means consumers in Japan, Korea, and other countries cannot be sure that US beef is safe or not.
"There will be a twisted form of imports of U.S.-produced beef without screening and continued screening of domestically produced beef. That only invites confusion among consumers," said Hiroko Mizuhara, secretary general of the Consumers' Union of Japan which has insisted on screening all slaughtered cattle. "This is clear proof that there remains uncertainty in the government," Mizuhara said.
Click here for a report about BSE testing in the United States
This means consumers in Japan, Korea, and other countries cannot be sure that US beef is safe or not.
"There will be a twisted form of imports of U.S.-produced beef without screening and continued screening of domestically produced beef. That only invites confusion among consumers," said Hiroko Mizuhara, secretary general of the Consumers' Union of Japan which has insisted on screening all slaughtered cattle. "This is clear proof that there remains uncertainty in the government," Mizuhara said.
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